Mumbai’s nightlife is saying goodbye to one of its most loved destinations. Actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty Kundra has confirmed that Bastian Bandra, the restaurant that transformed the city’s fine-dining culture, will officially shut down after nearly nine successful years. Since opening its doors in 2016, the restaurant became a favorite among Bollywood stars, food lovers, and partygoers. Its closure marks the end of an era but also hints at a new beginning.
The Emotional Announcement
Taking to Instagram, Shilpa Shetty shared an emotional note about Bastian Bandra’s journey and its closure.
She described the restaurant as more than just a place to dine, calling it a landmark that gave people countless nights filled with laughter, celebration, and unforgettable moments. She also revealed that the final gathering at Bastian Bandra would be held on September 4, marking its last bow in Mumbai’s bustling Bandra neighborhood.
While this outlet is shutting down, Shilpa reassured fans that the much-loved Arcane Affair, the Thursday night event synonymous with Bastian, will continue. It will now move to Bastian At The Top in Dadar West, giving loyal patrons a chance to carry on the tradition in a new setting.
Bastian Bandra’s Legacy
Since its launch in 2016, Bastian Bandra built a reputation for being much more than a restaurant. It quickly evolved into a cultural hub where fine dining met luxury nightlife.
The restaurant was known for its chic interiors, global-inspired menu, and exclusive atmosphere that attracted celebrities and socialites. From indulgent seafood platters to innovative cocktails, every element was crafted to create an international experience within the heart of Mumbai.
Over the years, Bastian Bandra became a paparazzi hotspot. Stars like Malaika Arora, Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Sonakshi Sinha were often spotted enjoying evenings there. The restaurant even hosted Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding reception, making it part of Bollywood’s modern cultural legacy.
A Note from the Bastian Team
The owners of Bastian Bandra also expressed gratitude to their loyal customers. They acknowledged that the restaurant had become more than just a business—it was a second home for many, filled with laughter and lasting memories.
They explained that the closure was not a permanent goodbye but part of a larger transformation. Hinting at a relaunch or fresh project, they promised that “something exciting” would be announced soon. This suggests that the Bastian brand will continue to reinvent itself while holding on to the spirit that made it so successful.
Shilpa Shetty’s Journey with Bastian
Shilpa Shetty joined the Bastian story in 2019 when she partnered with Aallia Hospitality, the group founded by Ranjit Bindra, Kinal Jani, and Tina Ranjit Bindra. Together, they formed Bastian Hospitality Private Limited (BHPL), and under this collaboration, the brand expanded rapidly.
Here’s how the journey unfolded:
- 2016: Bastian Bandra opened, establishing itself as a fine-dining hotspot.
- 2019: Shilpa became a partner, bringing star power and entrepreneurial vision to the brand.
- 2020: A new branch was launched in Worli.
- 2023: The Worli outlet moved to a stunning rooftop location, now known as Bastian At The Top.
- 2024: The brand went beyond Mumbai, opening Bastian Garden City in Bengaluru and Bastian Empire in Pune.
- They also introduced Inka, a Peruvian-Asian fusion restaurant.
With this expansion, Shilpa became one of the most recognized names in India’s hospitality industry. In fact, she proudly revealed in an interview that Bastian paid the highest GST in the hospitality sector in 2024, showcasing its financial success and massive customer base.
Why People Loved Bastian Bandra
The restaurant wasn’t just famous because of its celebrity connections. It built a loyal following because of its:
- Luxury Ambience: Modern interiors and a vibrant atmosphere that gave guests an international vibe.
- Quality Food: Known especially for seafood and fusion dishes, the menu balanced indulgence with creativity.
- Event Culture: Regular parties like Arcane Affair turned it into a nightlife landmark.
- Celebrity Presence: The constant buzz of Bollywood made it both aspirational and glamorous.
This combination helped Bastian Bandra carve out a unique identity in Mumbai’s ever-changing dining scene.
Lessons from Past Ventures
The Bastian group hasn’t been afraid to experiment, even if it meant taking risks. In early 2024, they launched Chinois, an Asian fine-dining restaurant led by celebrity chef Hemant Oberoi. However, the venture didn’t resonate with customers and had to be shut down within a month.
The team was open about the failure, saying that while they had put their heart into Chinois, it didn’t meet the high standards expected from the brand. Their philosophy was clear—no risk, no growth. This approach has allowed them to constantly evolve and stay relevant in a competitive industry.
What the Future Holds
Although the closure of Bastian Bandra is bittersweet, the brand is far from finished. With outlets like Bastian At The Top in Mumbai, Bastian Garden City in Bengaluru, and Bastian Empire in Pune, the legacy is thriving.
Shilpa Shetty has also teased that new ventures are in the pipeline, which means food lovers and partygoers can expect more innovations soon. Meanwhile, the continuation of Arcane Affair ensures that the community built around Bastian Bandra has not lost its home—it has simply shifted to a new stage.
Shilpa Shetty: More Than Just an Actress
Shilpa Shetty’s role in Bastian’s journey highlights her growth as not only a film star but also a powerful businesswoman. By actively engaging in the brand’s expansion, promoting its ventures, and celebrating its milestones, she has earned recognition as one of India’s leading restaurateurs.
Her ability to balance glamour with business insight has given the Bastian brand a unique identity. Today, she stands as an example of how Bollywood celebrities can successfully diversify into entrepreneurship.
Closing Thoughts
The end of Bastian Bandra marks a turning point in Mumbai’s dining and nightlife scene. For nearly nine years, it was the place where memories were created, milestones were celebrated, and celebrities mingled with everyday patrons. While the Bandra outlet will no longer welcome guests, its legacy lives on through Bastian’s other locations and the countless people who cherished their time there.
Shilpa Shetty and her team have made it clear—this isn’t the end. It’s simply the beginning of a new chapter for Bastian Hospitality. With promises of exciting announcements ahead, fans can look forward to fresh dining experiences while holding on to the nostalgia of what Bastian Bandra once was.